Pharmacy Podcast Network

Insights Backed by Real Data | SureCast LIVE – Part Two In Part Two of our three-part SureCast LIVE series, we continue the conversation with vendors, pharmacy leaders, and keynote speakers to explore how SureCast is delivering meaningful impact for pharmacy—backed by real data and real-world experience. This episode highlights innovative solutions, operational insights, and collaborative strategies that are helping independent pharmacies adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Our guests share how data-driven decision-making, smarter supply chains, and cooperative models are shaping the future of pharmacy. Featured Guests Avi Maidenberg, BluePax Discusses logistics, delivery innovation, and how smarter fulfillment solutions support pharmacy operations. Brittany Young, Independent Pharmacy Distributor Shares perspective on distribution challenges, supply chain efficiency, and the role of trusted partners for independents. Beshir, DiNovo Cleanroom Supplies & Packaging Solutions Explores compliance, cleanroom readiness, and packaging solutions that support sterile and specialty pharmacy services. Jason Dana Costa, Horizon Pharmacy Provides a pharmacy owner’s perspective on leveraging data, vendor partnerships, and technology to improve patient care and business performance. Scott Wittnebel, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) Highlights the power of cooperative models, collective data insights, and collaboration to strengthen independent pharmacy sustainability. About SureCast LIVE SureCast LIVE brings together pharmacy leaders, innovators, and solution providers to deliver actionable insights designed to support the long-term success of independent pharmacy. 🎧 This is Part Two of a three-part series—be sure to listen to Part One and stay tuned for Part Three.

In this episode, Greg Reybold speaks with Jake Auchincloss, U.S. Congressman of Massachusetts 4th District.

Segment 1: The Hidden Lender in America’s Drug Supply Chain Guests: Antonio Ciaccia, President, 3 Axis Advisors Alec Ginsberg, Founder, The Drugstore Cowboy Building on Alec Ginsberg’s investigative article, “The Hidden Lender in America’s Drug Supply Chain,” this discussion exposes how capital flows, credit structures, and opaque financial relationships influence pharmacy viability. Ciaccia and Ginsberg break down what independent pharmacists need to understand about who truly controls leverage in the system—and why transparency matters more than ever. Segment 2: How AI Is Transforming Pharmacy Operations Guests: Harry Travis, BS Pharm, MBA, President, The Travis Group Amanda Awe, PharmD, Clinical Product Consultant, Curatio Advisors Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical in pharmacy—it’s operational. This segment explores how AI is being deployed today to improve workflow efficiency, clinical decision-making, and patient engagement, while addressing the real-world challenges of adoption. Inside the Forces Reshaping America’s Drug Supply Chain | TWIRx    Thanks to NimbleRx, PRISM by OvaryIT, and Sykes & Company for sponsorsing today's show

This week on the PBM Reform Podcast, Breck L. Rice takes listeners inside a major new software upgrade designed to integrate directly with state-level PBM complaint and reporting systems. Breck also recounts his recent meetings with state Insurance Commissioners—where he presented this breakthrough technology while PBM lobbyists pushed back in real time, leaving community pharmacy with only one voice in the room standing up for them. He underscores a critical issue that often goes unaddressed: while states continue to pass legislation aimed at PBM accountability, the real failures are happening in execution and enforcement. Without meaningful oversight, even the strongest laws fall short, and independent pharmacies continue to bear the consequences.

Guest: Jay Blackburn, CEO — Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) Topic: Major Brand Drug Price Drops Are Coming — How Independent Pharmacies Can Prepare Now Independent community pharmacies are about to face a major shift in reimbursement dynamics as WAC prices drop on 15 major brand-name medications in the coming weeks and months. In this episode, Jay Blackburn, CEO of Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA), joins us to break down what these pricing changes mean for pharmacy owners—and why inventory planning right now is critical to protecting cash flow and avoiding reimbursement losses. CPA is a member-owned buying cooperative representing 2,200 independently owned, community-based pharmacies across the U.S. Jay explains how CPA supports pharmacy owners through purchasing scale, operational analytics, and practical solutions, helping them stay focused on what matters most: patient care in their communities. This episode outlines what pharmacies should be doing immediately to minimize negative financial impact and where to find the most up-to-date timelines and details. Key Takeaways Why lower WAC prices can create unexpected reimbursement challenges The impact of price decreases on inventory value and cash flow How pharmacies can proactively adjust purchasing and inventory strategies Steps to reduce risk during rapid pricing shifts Where CPA members (and pharmacy leaders) can find detailed timelines and action guidance This podcast explains the issue, outlines possible actions to take and directs listeners to a website (www.compliantrx.com) with more details and timelines. About Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) is a member-owned buying cooperative representing 2,200 independently owned community pharmacies nationwide. CPA helps pharmacy owners strengthen their businesses through purchasing scale, operational analytics, and practical support solutions—so they can remain focused on delivering care to patients in their local communities. Call to Action If you’re an independent pharmacy owner or operator, this is an episode you’ll want to share with your team—especially anyone involved in purchasing, inventory management, or reimbursement strategy. The price changes are coming fast, and preparation now can make the difference between disruption and stability. 🎧 Listen now and get ahead of the next reimbursement shift.

In this episode of FrameworkFocus, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping long-term care pharmacy. Rick Pollick and Kyle Nilson from SoftWriters’ Alpha Labs join us to discuss the industry-wide impact of AI, the benefits and challenges it presents, and how SoftWriters is bringing innovative, AI-driven workflows to life—starting with AI Order Entry Automation.

The Community Leadership Award is a prestigious award recognizing our community pharmacists and their commitment to their patients. Each year at the Retail Business Conference (RBC), this award is presented to an independent pharmacist who demonstrates a commitment to promoting the principles of community pharmacy.                                                                                                                                                                             In this episode, Jason Callori speaks with finalist, Mike Burns, PharmD, AuBurn Pharmacies, on his advocacy efforts at the state and national level. Burns also discusses how his community involvements help him and his staff best serve their patients.

Speakers: ● Todd Eury – CEO, The Pharmacy Podcast Network (Moderator/Host) ● Calvin Hunsicker – Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, SureCost (Product Vision & Innovation Lens) ● Amy Cruse, Vice President, Pharmacy, AmPharm ● Marsha K. Millonig, MBA, BPharm – President & CEO, Catalyst Enterprises  –Pharmacy Industry Perspective

I’m back this week with an amazing personal and business transformation story to take people from “healed to healer”. Not only that, but my guest’s High Frequency Healing Method coupled with business strategy has helped healers build 6-figure business easily - and she’s sharing it all today with us! Cortney Martinelli is a powerhouse in the personal growth and business healing space, known for merging deep energetic mastery with practical business strategy. As the founder of Shine, a nationally recognized wellness and education center, and Spark3, a nonprofit dedicated to empowerment, Cortney has helped thousands of individuals and entrepreneurs unlock their true potential.  She has taught hundreds of people how to turn their side hustle into a successful, thriving business and has helped scale businesses to 6 and 7 figures with her proven frameworks. Cortney specializes in guiding purpose-driven practitioners and conscious entrepreneurs to create soul-aligned offers, elevate their confidence, and attract premium, paying clients.  After 25 years in corporate leadership, Cortney now brings her gifts as a frequency-based business mentor to those who are here to heal and lead. She has trained more than 10,000 students and authored bestselling books that amplify heart-led transformation across the globe. Connect with Cortney via: Email: cortney@shineohio.com  Website: www.shineohio.com, www.cortneymartinelli.com IG: @cortney.martinelli, @shineohio  Linked In: linkedin.com/in/cortneymartinelli

🎙️ This Week in Pharmacy – Friday, December 5th Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce: A Conversation with Crystal Lennartz Cutting Through the AI Confusion: Shaun Jensen on Smarter Pharmacy Operations The New 340B Reality: Allison Arant on Navigating HRSA’s Rebate Model Welcome to another episode of This Week in Pharmacy, where we bring together the most important conversations, industry insights, and breaking pharmacy news shaping the future of healthcare. Today’s show features a powerhouse lineup of leaders driving innovation across retail pharmacy, technology, consulting, and 340B health-system strategy. 🟦 Segment 1 — Interview with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart & Health Mart Atlas We open the show with a conversation with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas, about the evolving role of workforce management in independent pharmacies.  📰 TWIRx News — Friday, December 5th A fast roundup of the top stories impacting pharmacy this week: 👉 Humana Exploring Partnership with Mark Cuban Humana is reportedly in discussions with Mark Cuban to explore a potential pharmacy partnership that could disrupt traditional PBM and drug-supply models. The collaboration may reshape how medications are priced and accessed—another sign that alternative pharmacy models are gaining traction. 👉 New Migraine Therapy: Symbravo Pharmacists should be aware of Symbravo, a new dual-action migraine therapy combining meloxicam and rizatriptan. Importantly, the product is non-substitutable, meaning pharmacies must dispense exactly as written. The therapy adds a new tool for acute migraine care but requires careful patient counseling on cardiovascular risks, medication-overuse headaches, and NSAID interactions. 👉 Walgreens Expands Automated Fulfillment Centers Walgreens continues restructuring by expanding its automated micro-fulfillment pharmacy network. Robots are now filling a growing percentage of maintenance prescriptions, allowing pharmacists to refocus on clinical services. The move signals accelerating automation across retail pharmacy as chains seek cost savings and operational efficiency. 🟦 Segment 2 — Interview with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group Next, we speak with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group, about the rising confusion many pharmacy operators face around AI adoption. We discuss: Where AI adds true efficiency versus where it’s misunderstood Practical steps for pharmacy owners to implement AI tools How data-driven automation can improve workflow, inventory, prior authorizations, and patient communication The mindset shift required for pharmacies to thrive in an AI-supported future 🟦 Segment 3 — Interview with Allison Arant, SVP of Client Development & Marketing, Clearway Health Our final interview is with Allison Arant from Clearway Health, focusing on the new challenges hospital systems face as HRSA launches the 340B rebate model. Key discussion points: How the rebate model changes operational and financial dynamics for 340B hospitals Why safety-net hospitals caring for large uninsured and underinsured populations are feeling heightened pressure Strategies Clearway Health is deploying to help health systems navigate rising medication costs, compliance demands, and shrinking margins What health-system pharmacies must prepare for heading into 2026 This week’s conversations underscored a unifying theme: the pharmacy industry is entering a period of rapid transformation, driven by new reimbursement models, automation, innovation partnerships, and evolving expectations from both patients and payers. Independent pharmacies, health systems, and specialty operators all face challenges—but also significant opportunities for reinvention, collaboration, and leadership. Thank you for tuning in to This Week in Pharmacy. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep pushing our profession forward.   Walgreens doubles down on automation to reshape pharmacy operations. The retail pharmacy giant is dramatically expanding its network of robot-powered micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) — facilities that dispense maintenance medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The goal: serve 5,000+ stores by the end of the year, up from earlier coverage of around 4,800 stores. https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2025-12-05?article=walgreens-expands-automated-pharmacy-fulfillment-network New migraine therapy raises key practice questions for pharmacists. Symbravo — a fixed-dose oral tablet combining meloxicam (an NSAID) and rizatriptan (a triptan) — has been approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, offering a dual-mechanism option targeting both inflammation and serotonin-mediated pathways.  Pharmacists now play a critical role: they must identify patients at risk for medication-overuse headaches, screen for contraindications (e.g., cardiovascular disease, GI risk, or NSAID/triptan interactions), and advocate for comprehensive migraine management beyond just pain relief — including lifestyle adjustments and referrals when needed. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/what-pharmacists-should-know-about-symbravo-s-role-and-non-substitutability-in-migraine-care Humana is reportedly working with Mark Cuban on a potential pharmacy partnership — a development that could shake up how prescriptions are delivered and disrupt traditional middle-man models.  The collaboration would leverage Cuban’s innovative approach to drug pricing and distribution, potentially creating a new channel for medication access that bypasses traditional pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and large-chain dispensaries. If executed, the partnership could increase competitive pressure on legacy players and reshape the pharmacy supply chain.  For independent pharmacies and pharmacy leaders, this signals a possible shift in how drugs are sourced, priced, and distributed — highlighting the growing influence of alternative pharmacy models and urging traditional pharmacies to adapt or risk being left behind. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-04/humana-working-with-mark-cuban-on-potential-pharmacy-partnership Washington, DC there's a whole bunch of pharmacy people meeting up to rollout the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (PFBA)! If you want to go, LISTEN UP!! You’ll be joining pharmacists and pharmacy owners from more than 17 states, all calling for meaningful pharmacy reimbursement reform NOW. Your presence at the news conference will send a strong message to your Congressional Delegate: "we’re serious about passing legislation that protects and keeps pharmacies in business."  The news conference is scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 9:30 AM on the Capitol Hill lawn. Meet up with "Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency".   Check out TRUTH RX dot org. We put a link in today's show notes. Check it out or reach out to Todd on LinkedIn. TruthRx.org    The New Pharmacy Playbook: Workforce Strength, AI Clarity, and 340B Reform | TWIRx